Sailing Charters

What is a sailing charter?

When you book a sailing charter, you are booking your very own ship or yacht for a vacation. This means you can sail to an exotic location without owning your own ship, or being certified. People with sailing knowledge will want to charter a "bareboat," which comes without a crew. For those with no sailing experience, yacht charters usually offer sailing with a skipper or full crew to run the boat for you. Charter companies own boats at a number of locations, so whether you're interested in Caribbean sailing charters or sailing other exotic locations, there is bound to be a company ready to serve you.

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Sailing the Caribbean

By far, the most popular sailing vacation is the Caribbean cruise. Here, vacationers have the choice of hundreds of islands to explore. Each island boasts its own unique coastline, be that a sparkling beach, rainforests or stunning cliffs. A charter company will assist you in ensuring that you are aware of the sailing area, including information about tides, mooring and navigation if you are chartering a bareboat. Popular charter locations in the West Indies include the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, St. Martin, Antigua and Martinique. Snorkeling gear is a must, as some of these islands have stunning coral reefs.

Sailing the United States

Florida sailing charters also abound, allowing Americans to access the beauty of the sea without first paying expensive airfare to reach an island. Florida offers a variety of sailing options, from the Florida Keys to departures from Fort Lauderdale, Miami or Jacksonville. You can arrange a charter by the hour, or choose a half day or full day. Some companies will also arrange extended cruises over a weekend. For the ultimate in relaxation, charter a fully-crewed boat and prepare to unwind.

Sailors can also explore the west coast through Southern California sailing charters. Charters along California's southern coast give travelers the opportunity to see San Diego, Los Angeles and numerous beaches. Some charters also offer trips to Catalina Island, where an overnight stay, round of golf or tours of the island's stunning landscapes make a wonderful vacation getaway.